23 January 2012

More than 100 mayors from across the nation have formed a coalition with Freedom to Marry called "Mayors for the Freedom to Marry." The notables include: New York City's Michael Bloomberg, Los Angeles' Antonio Villaraigosa, Chicago's Rahm Emanuel, Washington DC's Vincent Gray, Newark's Cory Booker, Philadelphia's Michael Nutter and Houston's Annise Parker, who is openly lesbian, and recently re-elected as mayor of the nation's fourth largest city.

Villaraigosa, who chairs the campaign as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, spoke about growing up without a father as he highlighted the importance of family. He said the lack of marriage equality for same-sex couples has directly impacted members of his own family.

"I've seen the many faces of those hurt by the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8 in California," said Villaraigosa. "They are members of my own family. They're our nation's own children who face daily bullying and violence because of who they are or who people think they are. They're the couples the joyous marriages I've had the honor of presiding over, whose special day was shared by friends and families before their rights were stripped away."

Parker spoke about the difficulties that she and her partner of nearly 21 years faced when they adopted their three children. A series of insurance, custodial and educational challenges followed suit. "One simple thing would have made a tremendous difference in the lives of my family and truly the lives of millions of Americans, and that is access to the rights and privileges of marriage," said Parker.

The coalition could become key in the coming months. Marriage equality legislation has recently been introduced in Washington and is expected to soon be re-introduced in Maryland and New Jersey.

"[Tyjanae] Moore was arrested Nov. 17 at the Houston Public Library in downtown.... 'When I came out, the female told me I wasn't supposed to be and I asked if there was any particular reason why not. She said I'm a transgendered female and I was really shocked that they even stopped me for this,' says Moore. Even though she is seen as a protected class by the City of Houston, Moore entered a guilty plea. Earlier in 2010, Mayor Annise Parker, who is openly gay, issued an executive order that allows transgendered persons to use the city restroom of their choice. Moore tells FOX 26 News she tried to use the men's restroom in the past. 'I went to the males' restroom and the man followed me into the restroom, so I figured that was not good. It wasn't safe and I started going to female restrooms and that's where I'm comfortable with,' says Moore."

"The latter order [gender identity] as it specifically states, covers hiring, contracting and/or access to City facilities and programs/activities. And this, Houston clergymen say, will open women’s restrooms to men, among other results. 'Forcing women in particular using city facilities to be subjected to cross-dressing men invading their privacy is beyond the pale and offensive to every standard of decency,' said Pastor Steve Riggle, senior pastor of Grace Community Church and an Executive Committee member of the Houston Area Pastor Council (HAPC). 'This is not only morally wrong it exposes the city and therefore the taxpayers to endless litigation and expenses,' added Pastor Hernan Castano, senior pastor of Iglesia Rios de Aceite and a member of the HAPC Executive Committee. 'It is irresponsible and indefensible.' Notably, however, supporters of the executive order are insisting that it remains unlawful for men to go into the women’s restroom.

"Parker’s order replaces one signed by her predecessor, Bill White,
the Democratic nominee for Texas governor. White’s order covered sexual
orientation and was similar to protections for gay, lesbian and bisexual
employees in Dallas. 'I felt it important that our written policy reflect what has long
been the practice of the city, which is we do not discriminate,' Parker
told Dallas Voice. Parker’s order, which includes gender identity/expression, was signed
on March 25 and took effect immediately."

A second order issued the same day prohibits ethnic, racial, homophobic and other slurs and jokes:

"The second order prohibits not only degrading verbal comments but also
mentions electronic media including screen savers, posters, cartoons and
drawings.
Menacing behavior, critical or mocking comments and perpetuating
stereotypes are listed as behavior inappropriate for the workplace.
Employees violating the policy are subject to disciplinary action up to
indefinite suspension. Supervisors or managers who do not act on
allegations or evidence are subject to disciplinary action."

On January 12, the openly lesbian City Comptroller Annise Parker was elected mayor of Houston in a decisive victory with 53% of the vote. The nation's fourth
largest city is now the largest in the U.S. to elect an openly LGBT
chief executive.

04 January 2010

After a private swearing-in ceremonyover the weekend, Annise Parker was publicly sworn in as Houston's mayor earlier this morning. Parker was elected to the mayor's office in a decisive and historic win in a special run-off election only three weeks ago. The nation's fourth largest city now becomes the largest with an out gay or lesbian mayor. Watch the public inauguration WHEN YOU JUMP.

Meanwhile: One of the nation's leading evangelical pastors offered supportive words to counter the hateful anti-gay message from Westboro Baptist Church. "In stark contrast to a handful of protesters outside brandishing signs invoking the name of God together with anti-gay slurs, Lakewood Church Senior Pastor Joel Osteen gave thanks in an opening prayer for 'raising up' Parker. 'We honor her today and other elected officials,' he said."

14 December 2009

CNN's Fredricka Whitfield interviewed Houston Mayor-Elect Annise Parker on the day after her historical and decisive Saturday victory.

Says the mayor-elect: "I have been elected city-wide in Houston six previous times. The voters know me, the voters trust me, they have a lot of data points on me. Even though there was an onslaught of ... negative campaigning towards the end, voters were able to see past that." Parker was referring to ugly attacks from pastors who who questioned her "homosexual agenda" and the tens of thousands of vicious mailings sent to residents.

Parkers adds: "What I hope that this election signals is something larger than me and the GLBT community. It's that Houston is a wonderful diverse international city that values people for what they can do more than who they are."

12 December 2009

And the victory speech that Annise Parker delivered after her historic and convincing win in the Houston mayoral run-off election: "“Tonight the voters of Houston have opened the doors to history. I acknowledge that. I embrace that. I know what this win means to many of us who thought we could never achieve high office. ...This election has changed the world for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. Just as it is about transforming the lives of all Houstonians for the better. And that's what my administration will be about."

Houston voters make history and chose openly lesbian City Controller Annise Parker as their next mayor. The nation's fourth largest city is now the largest in the U.S. to elect an openly LGBT chief executive.

Parker's success comes in the conservative state that is home to former President George W. Bush and one of the nation's more restrictive marriage amendments. It also comes in the same city where a referendum on granting benefits to same-sex partners of city employees was soundly rejected. Molly Ivins, Ann Richards and Barbara Jordan are probably smiling.

This is the seventh city election in a row that Annise Parker has won. More at the Victory Fund, which supported her in this race and the past six races for city council and city controller.

"Parker leads former city attorney Gene Locke 49 percent to 36 percent, according to a poll released Thursday by Rice University in Houston. Parker has never made her sexual orientation a secret or a focal point during her six years on the City Council and the last six years as controller. But it took a more prominent role in the mayor's race in the weeks leading up to the runoff as anti-gay activists and conservative religious groups have endorsed Locke and sent out mailers condemning Parker's 'homosexual behavior.' Locke has been trying to distance himself from anti-gay attacks while courting conservative voters who could tip the race in his favor. Rice political science professor Robert Stein, who oversaw the poll, said the attention on Parker's sexual orientation has probably hurt Locke more than her. 'It denied Locke an opportunity to win over traditional white liberal Democrats,' Stein said."

"In the general election the Chronicle endorsed both Parker and former city attorney and public agency lawyer Gene Locke, her opponent in the run-off. As we noted then, they each 'offer deep roots in the city and a dazzling range of life experiences and public service.' And our endorsement of Parker should not be taken as a diminution of the skills and qualifications of Locke, whose back story as a civil rights activist, steelworker and successful major law firm attorney offers a compelling narrative. Houstonians are lucky to face such a difficult choice. But Parker's background and experience offer a better fit for the mayor's office at this point in time...In both her public and personal life, Parker has maintained high ethical standards and decorum in her years as an elected official. No scandals have occurred on her watch. As mayor she will present the city's best face to the world, one of tolerance, diversity and compassion for all our citizens. The Chronicle urges voters to allow Parker to take her high standards and solid record of accomplishment to the city's highest office"

Parker finished first in the general election November 3rd. The runoff is December 12th. A poll by KHUF found the race nearly a dead heat, with Parker’s 3-point lead within the poll’s MOE. Annise Parker's campaign site is HERE.